While the exact window for this series is as yet unclear, the FTP has India down to play Sri Lanka in July
ESPNcricinfo staff09-May-2021
Sourav Ganguly also said hosting the remainder of IPL 2021 in India would not be possible•Getty Images
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has indicated India will travel to Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series this season. While the exact window for this series is as yet unclear, Ganguly said it would consist of three ODIs and five T20Is.As per the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), India are scheduled to play three T20Is in Sri Lanka in July. India were also due to play three T20Is and three ODIs on the island last June, but that tour was cancelled amid the pandemic.If the FTP were to be followed, the possible composition of the Indian side that will play the Sri Lanka series also remains unclear. A 20-man Test squad along with four reserve players will leave for England on June 2 for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, and is expected to play intra-squad matches after that leading up to a five-Test series against England starting on August 4. Given quarantine norms in England and Sri Lanka, it is likely India will field a completely different squad – minus several first-choice players – in Sri Lanka if the tour happens in July.Sri Lanka too have cricket lined up in England in June, with three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled for June 23 to July 4.Ganguly mentioned the Sri-Lanka-India series when asked in an interview with if there was a possibility of the the remainder of IPL 2021 being played in England on either side of India’s Test series there. “No,” Ganguly said. “India is supposed to go to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and five T20Is. There are lots of organisational hazards like 14-day quarantine.”It [the IPL] can’t happen in India [either]. This quarantine is tough to handle. Too early to say how we can find a slot to complete the IPL.”Related
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Following the conclusion of the England Test series on September 14, India have another short opening in their schedule ahead of the T20 World Cup that is set to begin sometime in mid-October. The global event is supposed to be held in India, but given a particularly deadly second wave of the pandemic is currently raging across the country – amid which the IPL’s biosecure bubble was breached prompting its indefinite postponement last week – it remains a possibility that the event will be shifted.Sri Lanka and a group of England counties have both offered to host the remainder of the IPL, with the UAE – which hosted the tournament in 2020 – also an option.
Liverpool supporters roared in triumph as Arne Slot got off to a winning start in the Premier League, taking on the impossible job of replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout.
But a lackadaisical, disjointed first half left plenty to be desired for the Reds, who had travelled to Portman Road to clash against newly-promoted Ipswich Town, who were worth their salt as they outworked and outbattled the visitors.
That all changed after the break, however, with Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah doing the damage as fans witnessed the heady brand of football take shape.
Liverpool players celebrate
Old habits, ay. Klopp might be gone but the spirit of the 12:30 kick-off rules eternal for the Merseysiders, who carried over some negative energy that plagued the 2023/24 campaign.
A tale of two halves
Poor opening, revivified after the break? That doesn't sound like Liverpool. Post-match, Slot repeatedly referenced the polarity in performance between the opening half and the final 45, stressing that he has inherited a first-class squad but that the unhurried nature of the opening must be eradicated.
No Premier League side recovered more points from losing positions (28) than Liverpool last season, bearing testament to their character but carrying an undercurrent that proved unsustainable in the end, evidenced by April's catastrophic slump in form.
Goals scored
0
2
Big chances
0
6
Shots (on target)
3 (0)
15 (5)
Possession
58%
66%
Dribbles completed
2/8 (25%)
9/14 (64%)
Tackles won
5/12 (40%)
4/8 (50%)
Duels won
22/53 (42%)
24/44 (55%)
Ball recoveries
26
19
Welcome to Liverpool, Arn'. Slow starts are something that the Dutchman will want to shake as the campaign gets going, for Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to complete imperious seasons once again and will likely establish unrecoverable distance if so.
But Slot is a "control freak" (self-professed), and his brutal decision to substitute Jarell Quansah for Ibrahima Konate at half-time offers a glimpse into the mindset of the man tasked with leading Liverpool to post-Klopp glory.
It made a convincing comment on his innate tactical understanding and willingness to make tough decisions for the good of the team. Let's not get ahead of ourselves – we're one match in – but the Redmen look like they could mount an exciting drive toward the forefront of the Premier League pack, with depth in numbers to attack cup competitions with force too.
However, it was indeed a poor first half with The Athletic's James Pearce saying that Liverpool "looked vulnerable on the counter-attack," with "far too many sloppy errors in possession."
Liverpool's midfield, in particular, was unable to assert its authority as hoped, an issue that, before their second-half rampage, cast minds to the failed attempt to sign Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi this month.
Liverpool's never-ending midfield issue
Last season, Alexis Mac Allister performed as Liverpool's deep-lying midfielder on an ad hoc basis, spreading his wings and scurrying up the field across the second half of the term as Wataru Endo, a surprise £16m signing last summer, grew into his skin as the anchor.
The Japan international offered a tenacious and composed approach. Think of him as the flour to Klopp's cake: not the most exciting part of the recipe but very much essential for success in the Carabao Cup and results that secured a route back into the Champions League.
By all accounts, though, Slot isn't a fan, with Endo playing a bit-part role throughout pre-season and failing to lift from the bench in Suffolk. Signing a sitting midfielder has been the priority this summer but Zubimendi went back on his word and rejected the Anfield side at the start of the week.
The Spanish Euro 2024 champion has been hailed as "one of the best midfielders in the world" by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente and would have been a terrific addition, with his press resistance and mastery of the basics enabling the creative success and fluency of the Liverpool attack.
Sporting director Richard Hughes will pounce on an alternative if the right opportunity arises, but the performance of Ryan Gravenberch against Ipswich on Saturday might have proved that the Premier League giants can make do without.
Why Gravenberch could be a Zubimendi upgrade
Speaking plainly, Gravenberch has been on the periphery of supporters' attention in recent months, with few positing that the 22-year-old could be a shrewd internal solution to Liverpool's central (quite literally) issue.
curtis-jones-ryan-gravenberch-liverpool-opinion
Saved from a stodgy spell at Bayern Munich with a £34m transfer last summer, the Netherlands native showed flashes of brilliance but didn't nail down a regular starting berth, with 12 appearances from the outset in the top flight. Scarcely used in a deeper role last year, the multi-functional midfielder might just have found a new home at the club.
It was a cultured and combative display, with Slot's countryman showcasing an athletic and steely skillset that speaks of his dynamic functionality and could even allow him to perform the role to a higher standard than Zubimendi conceivably would have.
The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle even gushed over the effort and awarded him with an 8/10 match rating, writing: 'Some good moments on the ball and resisted press impressively but still learning when the best time to tackle. Began to enjoy himself more [sic] longer game progressed as spaces began to open up going forward. Really encouraging in deeper midfield.'
There was just so much promise about his season-opening performance, with the Dutchman's movement and fizz evidenced through his match statistics.
Minutes played
90'
Touches
71
Pass completion
51/59 (86%)
Long balls
2/2
Dribble attempts
1/2
Ball recoveries
2
Tackles
3
Duels won
6/12
It's obviously difficult to draw conclusions after one match, but Gravenberch's combativeness and progressive quality can be discerned through such observations, especially when considering the scope of his technical ability when collated against Zubimendi's.
The Sociedad sensation – who makes his seasonal debut against Rayo Vallecano this evening – completed 86% of his passes in La Liga last year, averaging 0.5 key passes, 1.6 tackles, 4.0 successful duels and 5.5 ball recoveries per game.
Pass completion
83%
86%
Progressive passes
6.27
5.15
Shot-creating actions
3.73
1.86
Progressive carries
3.10
1.15
Successful take-ons
1.90
0.41
Ball recoveries
5.87
5.73
Tackles + interceptions
3.17
2.92
Blocks
1.59
1.12
While it's important to remember that Gravenberch operated in a different role and different system than his Basque-born counterpart, there's a clear advantage in passing and a more aggressive defensive game too.
What, exactly, does that mean? Well, Gravenberch basically has what it takes to perform Zubimendi's role. With a little more defensive discipline and a streamlined focus, a depletion in carries and take-ons could be met with a rise in ball recovery and tackling output.
Gravenberch will face tougher tests yet in midfield, but he proved that he has what it takes to succeed as the ball-playing deep-sitter in Slot's midfield, stroking ranged balls forward and with energetic and intelligent mobility besides.
Zubimendi would have performed such a role with aplomb; there's a reason Liverpool threw the kitchen sink at landing his signature.
But the most effective solutions do not always come from afar in football, and Gravenberch has demonstrated some exciting pliability that could see Slot hammer him into shape as a holding player.
It was by no means a perfect performance from the £150k-per-week talent, who faced his boss's baying in the first half due to some errant positioning that led to a slick Ipswich counter slicing through Liverpool's line, but there's something, something, there.
Press-resistant and technically proficient, Gravenberch has the apt properties for a sustainable position at No. 6. If he can use his display against the Tractor Boys as a launchpad, Zubimendi's rejection could become a faded bygone memory.
Forget Zubimendi: Liverpool could sign an "elite" £51m alternative
Arne Slot needs a deep-lying midfielder to suit his system…
After a brilliant start to their Premier League campaign that saw them pick up six points against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, Arsenal hit the first bump in the road on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta's side hosted the high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion, and while they took a one-goal lead in the first half, a red card for Declan Rice early in the second saw them put under immense pressure and ultimately forced to settle for a single point.
It wasn't the performance home fans were hoping to see, nor was it the sort of display new signing Raheem Sterling would have been expecting, who was watching from the stands after agreeing to join the team on a season-long loan from cross-city rivals Chelsea.
The Englishman was a surprise signing on deadline day, and while some are unconvinced about his arrival, his Premier League record speaks for itself. However, the Gunners did sell another winger in the past, who, if he had still been in the squad, would've made Sterling's move unnecessary.
Sterling's move to Arsenal
Yes, after months of speculation surrounding Arsenal's pursuit of an attacking signing this summer, it was officially confirmed the day after the window shut that the club had secured the services of Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
From a purely financial perspective, it appears to be an incredible piece of business from the North Londoners, as according to reports, they are set to pay just £100k-per-week of the Englishman's £325k-per-week wages, with the Blues stumping up the rest.
It would appear that the reason the Gunners have got such a good deal in this regard is that following the statement released by the player ahead of the West Londoners' opening game of the season a few weeks ago and the subsequent fallout, the Pensioners have been looking for a way to get him out of the club for the rest of the campaign, in turn, presenting Edu Gaspar and Co a brilliant market opportunity.
However, it's not just the finances that could make this an excellent deal for last season's Premier League runners-up because, at his best, the former Manchester City ace is a fantastic player.
For example, in his 339 appearances for City, he scored 131 goals and provided 73 assists, equating to a goal involvement once every 1.66 games, which is remarkable considering he did so over a seven-season period.
Appearances
129
339
81
Goals
23
131
19
Assists
18
73
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.31
0.60
0.38
Moreover, even though he hasn't been at his very best at Stamford Bridge, he has still scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 matches, meaning he's averaged a goal involvement once every 2.61 games, which isn't too bad.
However, while Sterling looks to be a great addition to Arteta's squad for this season, it's a deal that probably wouldn't have been needed had the club not sold a former player in 2017 who has since gone on to play in a Champions League final, and no, it's not Serge Gnabry.
Donyell Malen's post-Arsenal career
Yes, the player in question is Donyell Malen, who, after joining Arsenal in 2015 and scoring 44 times in two seasons for the youth sides, was sold to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in 2017 for around £540k.
Donyell Malen for Borussia Dortmund.
Over the next four years, the Wieringen-born dynamo would score 55 goals and provide 24 assists in just 116 first-team appearances for the Eredivisie side, which was enough to see him earn his first senior cap for the Dutch national team and earn a £26m move to Borussia Dortmund in July 2021.
His move to Germany was not an instant success, but since adapting to life in the Bundesliga and overcoming several injuries, the "sizzling" attacker, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has once again shown how talented he really is.
Appearances
116
114
Goals
55
34
Assists
24
19
Goal Involvements per Match
0.68
0.46
For example, in just 38 appearances last season, he scored 15 goals and provided five assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.90 games. He even came off the bench to participate in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Like Sterling, the 25-year-old is comfortable playing off either the right or left of a front three, although he has also spent a significant amount of time playing down the middle.
Moreover, according to FOTmob, he is actually worth more than the Englishman, with a value of €41m – £35m – to his €37m – £31m valuation.
Ultimately, the Chelsea attacker looks like he'll be a brilliant addition to Arsenal's attack this season, but had the Gunners kept hold of Malen over the years and helped him reach his potential in North London, there is a chance the former City ace wouldn't be needed.
Why Arteta personally pulled plug on Arsenal signing £330k-per-week striker
The Spaniard intervened on his side doing a summer deal.
لا يزال ليفربول يسعى لإقناع جناح وهداف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، محمد صلاح، بتجديد عقده الذي اقترب من الانتهاء بالفعل بنهاية الموسم الحالي في 30 يونيو 2025.
منذ يناير الماضي، دخل محمد صلاح الفترة الحرة وكان بإمكانه مناقشة عروض للرحيل، لكن لم يتفق مع أي نادٍ آخر على الانتقال إليه رغم اهتمام الدوري السعودي.
ويشكل عقد محمد صلاح مصدر قلق كبير للنادي، إذ سينتهي عقده خلال 4 أشهر، مما يهدد برحيله مجانًا، بجانب عقدي فيرجيل فان دايك وترينت ألكنسدر أرنولد.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ليفربول يضيف لاعبًا جديدًا إلى قائمته في دوري أبطال أوروبا
ووفقًا لشبكة “Football Insider” البريطانية، يسابق ليفربول الزمن من أجل حسم الأمر سريعًا خاصة وأن عدم تجديد العقد يضع النادي في ضغوط كبيرة.
ومن المعروف أن محمد صلاح يعلن عن آخر مستجدات عقده مع ليفربول بعد المباريات، حيث كانت تصريحاته السابقة المصدر الوحيد للمعلومات حول مفاوضاته مع النادي.
ويواصل محمد صلاح تألقه تحت قيادة المدرب، آرني سلوت، مسجلًا 26 هدفًا هذا الموسم، ويأمل ليفربول في مكافأته بعقد جديد لضمان بقائه وتعزيز مشروع الفريق للمستقبل، بحسب الشبكة.
وكلما تأخر اتخاذ القرار، زادت احتمالية رحيل محمد صلاح نهاية الموسم، مما يجعل تجديد عقده أولوية قصوى لإدارة النادي للحفاظ على استقرار الفريق.
Nottingham Forest have their eyes on signing a 21-goal striker and even made a late approach before the closure of the summer transfer window, according to a recent report.
The Premier League side had a very busy summer, as they club brought in several new faces to boost Nuno Espirito Santo's squad, keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles. It has been a positive start to the campaign for the Reds too, as they are unbeaten in their opening three games of the season, with their latest result being a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves.
Nottingham Forest close to another "explosive" signing after Ward-Prowse
Can the Reds seal some last-minute transfer business?
ByHenry Jackson Aug 30, 2024 Nottingham Forest's transfer window
Forest added 11 players to their squad over the course of the summer, arrivals that are a mix of experienced international players as well as some up-and-coming talents who may need more time to adapt. The club’s biggest capture was midfielder Elliot Anderson, who joined from Newcastle United.
Elliot Anderson
Newcastle
Morato
Benfica
Nikola Milenkovic
Fiorentina
Ramon Sosa
CA Talleres
David Carmo
FC Porto
Jota Silva
Vit. Guimaraes
Marko Stamenic
Red Star
Calos Miguel
Corinthians
Eric da Silva Moreira
FC St. Pauli
James Ward-Prowse
West Ham
Alex Moreno
Aston Villa
After signing James Ward-Prowse late in the day, they were also linked with a move for Ernest Nuamah from Lyon. The 20-year-old was wanted by Fulham and Everton, but it was claimed that the Reds had won the race for his signature, only for the youngster to remain at Lyon.
While looking to add to the squad, Forest also had a fight on their hands to keep hold of one of their best players. It has been revealed since the window closed that Newcastle United included Miguel Almiron in a player-plus cash offer worth £50 million to sign Anthony Elanga. Forest stood firm and rejected the second offer in as many days from the Magpies for the winger, but that might not be the end of it as Newcastle could return in January.
Anthony Elanga.
Forest were very busy until the end of the transfer window, and it has been revealed that they had their eye on another player before the window closed.
Nottingham Forest make approach for 21-goal striker
According to The Athletic, relayed by Nottingham Forest News, Forest made a late enquiry to sign Simon Banza on loan from Portuguese side Braga. The enquiry was deemed as “extremely ambitious”, so he is clearly a player high up on the recruitment team's list, perhaps opening the door to a future move when his current side have more time to get their ducks in a row.
The 28-year-old has been with Braga since July 2022, playing 90 times for the Portuguese side and scoring 37 goals to go with 15 assists. Last season was a particularly impressive campaign for the striker, as he scored 21 times in 28 Liga Portugal games.
It has been claimed that Forest were interested in a loan deal, but Braga's status as a Europa League side complicated things, so perhaps Nuno will have to launch his team into the European places if he wants to get a deal done in 2025.
Morgan Gibbs-White is a player who has exceeded all expectations at Nottingham Forest following his £25m move from Wolves back in the summer of 2022.
The attacking midfielder has captured the hearts of the fanbase, with his intensity of pressure out of possession, whilst being the heart of the Reds side with the ball at his feet, creating endless opportunities for other attacking players.
He enjoyed his best Premier League campaign to date last season, registering five goals and ten assists in his 37 league appearances – finishing the campaign as the club’s joint-highest contributor in front of goal.
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White has undoubtedly been key in the club’s two previous near misses with relegation, often being the man to create that bit of magic that has often been missing in some of the nervy outings.
However, he may be partnered with one player who would allow the Englishman to reach the next level at the City Ground during the 2024/25 campaign.
Nottingham Forest make bid for talented midfielder
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Nottingham Forest have tabled an offer to sign Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Edoardo Bove in action for Roma in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old has been an unused substitute in both of the first two outings of the new Serie A season, prompting interest from Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
Bove has also been subject to huge interest from Everton this summer, with the Reds set to rival Sean Dyche’s side over a move for the talented youngster.
The report claims that whilst the fee for the bid is unknown, Daniele De Rossi’s side are willing to part ways with the academy graduate as he searches for more regular first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Whilst he plays in a slightly deeper role than Gibbs-White, he could have a huge impact on the Englishman’s future achievements in the East Midlands.
Why Bove would be perfect for Gibbs-White
Although the Reds have numerous impressive talents in the midfield department, the injury suffered by Danilo during the season opener against Bournemouth could allow for a new addition in the middle of the park.
Earlier this week, Nuno’s side were linked with a move to sign Brazilian talent Andre, but it appears that the Fluminense ace is set for a move to Premier League rivals Wolves before Friday’s deadline.
As a result, attention has been turned to the £30k-per-week Roma midfielder, with Bove possessing a lot of stats that would hugely benefit Gibbs-White in the coming months.
The “intelligent” Italian, as dubbed by former boss José Mourinho, excelled with the ball at his feet last season, registering an 83% pass completion rate – completing an average of 4.5 progressive passes per 90 allowing Gibbs-White to be at the centre of more frequent opportunities should Bove move to the City Ground in the coming days.
Edoardo Bove's stats in the Serie A for Roma (2023/24)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
31
Goals + assists
2
Pass accuracy
83%
Progressive passes
4.5
Progressive carries
1.1
Tackles won
3
Blocks made
1.1
Aerials won
1.5
Stats via FBref
He also starred defensively, winning an average of three tackles per 90, alongside 1.1 blocks, adding more defensive cover to Nuno’s midfield, which could allow the former Wolves talent to operate in a more advanced role once more.
In recent weeks, Gibbs-White has operated in a slightly deeper role than normal, featuring as more of a box-to-box player than an attacking midfielder – but has still impressed, scoring the winning goal in the outing against Southampton last weekend.
However, Bove’s potential arrival could allow him to forget about his defensive responsibilities and continue to cause havoc in attacking areas, further increasing the Reds’ goalscoring output.
Whilst it’s unknown how much the Italian would cost the Reds during the closing stages of the window, he’s demonstrated that he has excellent qualities that would undoubtedly improve Nuno’s midfield options.
However, with just over a day left in the window, the hierarchy would have to operate swiftly if they are to complete an impressive deal for the 22-year-old.
Forget Gimenez: Nottingham Forest hold talks for new CF who's like Gyokeres
The Reds are desperately trying to sign a new striker before tomorrow’s deadline.
He split the webbing between his index finger and thumb on his left hand while fielding on Wednesday night
Umar Farooq10-Jun-2021Faheem Ashraf is likely to miss at least the next three games for Islamabad United in the PSL after splitting the webbing between his index finger and thumb on his left hand during their five-wicket loss to the Lahore Qalandars on Wednesday night.”Faheem suffered a laceration to the base of the left thumb. Suturing was completed in the ER, he was given antibiotics and paracetamol and discharged into our care,” United physio Jason Pilgrim said in a statement.Ashraf injured his hand while fielding at short fine leg during the fifth over of the chase, bowled by Hasan Ali. Ashraf had, by then, bowled his first two overs and bowled Fakhar Zaman before he walked off to get five stitches on his hand. He missed a major chunk of the game while getting medical attention and wasn’t allowed to bowl again but seeing the nature of his injury as an extraordinary circumstance, the umpires and match referee allowed Ashraf to bowl his remaining two overs – the 14th and 17th of the innings – while going off the field in between and after because he couldn’t field at all.Ashraf conceded a combined 21 runs in those two overs and finished with 4-0-31-1. United now have to fill his position in the lower middle order with either Muhammad Musa or Akif Javed.Ashraf has been one of the main players for United since 2018, having played 36 games until Wednesday with an impressive bowling average of 18.88 – the second-best in the league – and he is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the league with a tally of 51 wickets and holds the tournament’s second-best bowling figures, of 6 for 19. Over the last two seasons, his batting played a role in increasing the depth in their line-up.United are among the few teams disturbed by the postponement and shift of the PSL from Karachi to Abu Dhabi. Their roster of local players remains intact but most of their first-choice overseas players, who were around before the postponement, are not available for different reasons. They bought Usman Khawaja to replace Alex Hales, but they are also missing out on Lewis Gregory and Phil Salt, and even South Africa’s Janneman Malan, who couldn’t get an NOC from his home board.
Thierry Henry has questioned Pep Guardiola's transfer calls on Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez amid Manchester City's goal struggles.
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Man City going through a rough patchHaaland has been blowing hot & coldHenry criticised Guardiola's transfer decisionsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Following a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the derby, City find themselves nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, having played an extra game. The loss marks their eighth defeat in the last 12 matches across all competitions, raising concerns about their form and squad depth amid a mounting injury crisis.
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Despite the attacking prowess of Erling Haaland, City's goals-per-game tally has plummeted to its lowest level since Guardiola took charge. This has led Arsenal legend Henry to question the rationale behind the exits of offensive players such as Mahrez, Palmer, and Alvarez without signing necessary replacements. Henry feels City no longer have enough quality behind Haaland, who is getting more criticism for missed chances as a result.
WHAT HENRY SAID
Speaking on Henry saidWe all know, it's the first time and we're allowed to say it, that we can challenge his decisions in the way of letting Cole Palmer go, Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez. Ilkay Gundogan came back and it's not the same Gundogan who scored 17 goals a season. You're missing those goals. Erling Haaland is scoring the same goals, a few less than in his first season but he's doing what he does usually. I've seen him miss sitters in every season but where are the goals of Mahrez, Alvarez or Kevin De Bruyne, Gundogan – where are those goals?"
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While raising questions about Guardiola's recent decisions, Henry also defended the manager’s overall record. He pointed out that this is the first prolonged slump in Guardiola’s illustrious career, highlighting his unprecedented consistency since stepping into management.
"Let's not kill the guy or this team because of what's happening," he said. "You can never say never [that he could quit] – but Pep is not that type of coach. He is really, really hard, and mean and intense when you win, because he wants to keep you there. And he's more nice when he's down. You can see when the team didn't play well, he will come out and say 'I love my team, they played really well tonight'.
"And sometimes he will come on the pitch and have a go at his team when they won 3-0, you can see him arguing that someone who missed a pass. I like that. You change when you're at the top, you try to change so you can stay there. Once you are here, you're trying to be the nice guy now."
Nottingham Forest have been credited with making an ambitious move to sign a new striker this summer as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to bolster his ranks ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Nottingham Forest need goals
After securing Premier League survival on the final day of last season, Forest have been circumspect in their spending so far this summer by their recent standards. Moves for Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic have set the club back close to £50m, but they have been relatively frugal aside from that.
Nottingham Forest's new signings
Player
Fee
Elliot Anderson
£35m
Nikola Milenkovic
£12m
Jota Silva
£6m
Marko Stamenic
£4.6m
Carlos Miguel
£3.3m
Eric da Silva Moreira
£1m
It means that they are still yet to address their goalscoring issue, with only Burnley, Everton and Sheffield United having scored fewer than the City Ground side last season, and that return bolstered by an amazing run of form by Chris Wood.
Taiwo Awoniyi is highly-rated across the top flight but has yet to be able to stretch together a run of games for the Reds in his two seasons at the club. The Nigerian managed just 12 Premier League starts in 2023/24, following on from his 17 starts in his debut campaign.
As a result, a striker is likely to be on their transfer wishlist between now and the end of the summer transfer window, with the window slamming shut on August 30th, two weeks into the new season.
Nottingham Forest make contact over ambitious move
Now, it has been reported that Forest have made contact over an audacious move for Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez. The 23-year-old forward wowed Eredivisie viewers last season as he hit 23 goals in 30 outings, a return which saw him linked with a move to the Premier League amid reported interest from the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal.
"Gimenez truly is fantastic," Feyenoord icon Mario Been claimed after one particularly strong performance. "He hadn't even touched the ball before his first goal, but that was a fantastic finish."
Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez
However, Arsenal's interest in the £29k per week ace has gone cold, while Tottenham are advancing over a deal to sign Dominic Solanke which would also rule them out of any race for the Feyenoord man.
That has allowed other clubs to pursue a deal, and journalist Martijn Krabbendam claims that Nottingham Forest have made a move to sign the Mexico forward.
“There is slight interest in Giménez, Nottingham Forest did call,” he explained, though he added that Gimenez may be looking at a bigger club were he to leave Feyenoord this summer.
“I cannot imagine that Giménez would like that, or the amount must be enormous. There is talk that he will and can still go. Giménez also has to be sold at some point."
A move for Gimenez, who is valued by transfermarkt at a massive £34m, would certainly be a statement of intent from Forest, who have already shown in Sangare that they are willing to splash out on talent from the Dutch top flight if they believe it to be a good deal.
Sunderland are on the verge of completing the signing of a £13,000-a-week international midfielder after reaching an agreement with his club, according to a new report.
It has been a productive but quiet transfer window for the Black Cats so far, as Regis Le Bris tries to get to grips with his new club and new players. The Frenchman has overseen a transfer window that has brought in a lot of free transfers, but that has helped the club sit top of the Championship table after three games.
Sunderland set to lose £2m+ of profit as European club eye Black Cats star
Sunderland face a battle to keep hold of the player.
By
Brett Worthington
Aug 28, 2024
Sunderland transfer news
Sunderland have added five players to their squad over the course of this summer, with the latest addition being striker Wilson Isidor from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. But with the window entering the final hours, the Black Cats still have their eye on one or two deals.
Sunderland's summer signings
Signed from
Alan Browne
Preston
Ian Poveda
Leeds United
Simon Moore
Coventry City
Blondy Nna Noukeu
Stoke City
Wilson Isidor
St Petersburg
One player that the Wearsiders are keen on adding to their squad is Leicester City striker Tom Cannon. It has been reported that Sunderland have put in a bid worth £5 million to sign Cannon, as they look to improve their forward line before Friday’s deadline, but they face competition from teams such as Stoke City, Norwich City, and Sheffield United.
As well as looking to sign Cannon, it has been reported that the Black Cats are also in advanced talks to sign Roko Simic, who is also a striker. The Championship side are said to be hopeful of signing the player, with him already holding direct talks with the club’s hierarchy.
Meanwhile, there could potentially be a departure on the cards for Sunderland, as it’s been reported that midfielder Pierre Ekwah is wanted by French side Sainte Etienne. The midfielder has been a key player for the club, but his performances have now caught the attention of teams abroad, with Sunderland said to have placed a £6 million price tag on his head.
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
Sunderland appear keen to be adding to their squad rather than weakening it however, as they reach an agreement to sign an international player.
Sunderland agree deal to sign £13k-p/w midfielder
According to Foot Mercato, relayed by Get Football News French, Sunderland have reached an agreement with Ligue 1 side RC Lens to sign midfielder Salis Abdul Samed, who has won 19 caps for Ghana, 7 of them coming in 2024.
The report states that 24 year-old Abdul Samed will join the Black Cats on a loan deal, which will not include an option to buy or an obligation to make the deal into a permanent one. It goes on to add that the defensive midfielder is expected on Wearside in the coming hours to undergo his medical and complete the deal, having falling out of favour quickly under new Lens boss and one time Black Cats target Will Still.
Abdul Samed is said to be on a weekly wage of €16,154 per week with the French side, which is roughly £13k, a figure that Sunderland will likely have to cover if the deal gets completed. The RC Lens midfielder has been linked with a move to England before, as he was eyed by Premier League side Aston Villa last year, and at the time, he was labelled as “underrated” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.